Source: Energy Information Administration; DOE Office of Electricity Global Energy Storage Database
Analysis by CEC Economics
Highlights
- The prevalence of lithium-ion battery projects across the state expanded considerably in 2023, with 25 counties in California hosting these installations within their respective territories, whereas other energy storage technologies are only present in a few counties. Riverside County accounted for the most lithium-ion battery storage capacity (28%) online, followed by Kern County (17%) and Monterey County (12%).
- The Salton Sea region in the Imperial County has one of the world’s largest known reserves of lithium, enough to power batteries for more than 50 million electric vehicles within a few years. Nevertheless, there are technical and environmental concerns regarding the innovative process of extracting lithium from geothermal brine. However, the extraction process that companies are attempting to develop in the Salton Sea area is less environmentally damaging than the current process of mining. In close proximity, the state of Nevada boasts substantial lithium prospects as well, the local Paiute-Shoshone Tribe has expressed opposition to the extraction venture, citing concerns over potential environmental repercussions.
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